Back Mountain Whistles in the "City that Never Sleeps"

How Far Have YOU Walked Today?

2005-12-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

After getting over the initial shock of the fact that it had been nearly a month since my last post, I thought that the last few days certainly required some sort of acknowledgement. Plus, I noticed that Malia had made a triumphant return to the blogging world and I thought that I should do the same.

The image to the left here pretty much exemplifies what life has been like as a New Yorker since we all awoke to the news Tuesday morning to find that the TWU had gone on strike. It's the first strike in 25 years for the Union. There have been several events in recent history that have symbolized the resilience of the people of New York City. The tragic events of 9/11, the blackout that occurred a couple of years ago. And now, a transit strike. 7 million people walking miles to get where you need to go, in 20 degree weather. For 3 days now I have made the long walk over the Williamsburg Bridge out of Brooklyn and into Manhattan. Thankfully I was able to catch a bad for at least part of the 4 mile walk up to midtown where I work. It's been an amazing time to be in New York and, God knows, it's not over yet. The union and the MTA appear to still be very far apart in negotiations. I won't get into detail about what the fight is over, as I am sure most of you know or can guess, but here's hoping that it ends soon. It's estimated (by Mayor Bloomberg) that the city loses $400 million a day due to the strike and I would believe it. Many businesses are closing early, not just because of a lack of customers, but because some of their employees are too far out in the boroughs to make it in to work.

Fingers crossed, this will be over by the time I return from the weekend. Or, I should say, fingers crossed that I can even get out of the city this afternoon when work is done. We shall see. All to say that 12 hours from now I'll be out of the city for a few days and I am very much looking forward to it. Home tonight, back to Nana's tomorrow morning. It will be a whirlwind, no doubt, but that's okay. It'll be nice to be surrounded by family. I feel very fortunate that Nana is still around and that we are all able to be together in the same way that we have been since the year I was born. We are certainly creatures of habit, and there is something to be said for family traditions.

Perhaps more later, as I have been up since 3:30AM and will continue to be until I arrive at home tonight.

But, for now, in the tradition of one of my fellow bloggers and Wayside family members:

What I Learned Last Week: It always hurts to say "No." to the people you love. (you know who you are)

The Giving of the Thanks

2005-11-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wow. I didn't realize that it had been over two weeks since my last entry on this thing. My apologies to those of you who check frequently and have found nothing but silence from me for the last little while. Time keeps moving too fast and things keep getting in the way. By the time I get home at night and sit down to check the mail and write an entry, I am too tired to stare at the screen any longer than I have to. Perhaps I need to release myself from the burden of feeling that each and every entry must be full o' goodness. I'll do my best to be more consistent.

I should say that things have been very busy for the last two weeks, which is part of the problem. Auditions to prepare for (all have gone well, but no news yet), travelling to do (NYC to PA, PA to WV, WV to PA, PA to NYC), and classes that I am knee deep in right now (one voice, two scene study). So much to do, so little time. If I can see life through to next Wednesday, all will be much better and a bit slower.

Thanksgiving was great, albeit short. A chance to get back to Nana's and see the family. For those of you who wonder what the hell the title of this blog is all about, it refers to my childhood. I spent a lot of time with my Nana in West Virginia when I was growing up, in a small town named Cass. It's an old logging town that the is now a State Park and they have been running tourists up and down the mountain, via coal/steam engine for years and, during the summer and fall, you can hear the faint sounds of the whistles coming from the mountain as the train reaches different stops on its journey. Both of my parents grew up there, much of my extended family still live there and, in a lot of ways, it's home to me. While I enjoy going back to DuBois, PA (where I grew up), I associate a lot of my best childhood memories with the time I spent in the mountains of West Virginia so, I always very much look forward to getting back there. A chance to renew my spirit.

It was great to see the family. There's a sense of tradition around the holidays. the same seats, the same stories, the same games played post meal. Sure things have changed, we've added people, including our newest arrival, John Michael Kane V who is all of 4 months old. I've never had a Christmas anywhere but Nana's and only missed 3 Thanksgiving meals (thanks to Texas). And, as her health in beginning to deteriorate, we don't know how many more we will be able to have there so, I was very thankful that I could be.

But now, that brief time away is over and I am back in the grind. One week. God, let me get through this one week and all will be well. More later, perhaps, but for now, I've got to finish up the day job and head off to class.

Weight Just One Minute

2005-11-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is "weight", in a feeble attempt to be clever with the title. Soemtimes coming up with a time for these entries can be a bit on the tricky side. There's all this pressure to come up with something witty or clever, at least in my world there is, and sometimes it's just too hard. Today, however, as I sit at my desk at work, it's not that hard.

I have begun to feel a bit fat. I don't think this is a feeling that is reserved for women and/or gay men, but for all people. We all have certain times in our lives when we just feel fat. There's nothing wrong with it. We just have to accept it and move on. While I love the fact that I have a job that allows me to pay rent and go out on auditions, it's also a job that requires me to be at a desk the entire day. it's also a job that has free food sitting around all the time. I have begun to curtail my snacking, but I have got to get my ass back in the gym. The hard thing is that the only time that I reall have to do that is 6:45 in the morning. Now, I am more of an evening person, by nature....a nightowl, if you will. So, there are times that he 6:45 alarm just hits a bit too early for me. But, I have to do it. So, by writing it here, I am acknowledging my problem and pledging to suck it up and do the deed. And we thank you for your support.

Okay, that feels better. Other than the Fatty McFatterson issue, things are good. I feel a sense of momentum that I haven't felt in awhile, in a very good way. Things are moving forward in a lot of different dorections. I'm throwing a lot of stuff on the wall right now to see what's going to stick. Only time will tell if this pasta is well cooked........what?

To Sing or not to Sing

2005-11-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight I begin a Musical Theatre audition class. A bit of a brush up and a chance to work on some things that I haven't done in a very long time. While I have been out on a few auditions for Musicals, I would say that, for the better part of this year, I have been attending more calls for plays than musicals. Plus, with the improv show, I haven't really been had a chance to get out on the musical calls as much as I would like to. And so, after hearing about this class from a friend of mine, I decided to give it a go. It will force me to work on the things I have been telling myself I would work on for awhile.

An interesting thing about singing, I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. Singing, in a lot of ways, is a much more vulnerable thing than many would think. While, of course, there are those truly vulnerable moments of acting, singing is the result of emotion that is too big for meer words and, therefore, opens you up in a different way. I'm not sure why it is that I am somewhat self-conscious at times about singing, but I am...especially after taking as much time off from it as I have. So, I am very much looking forward to the class that will, hopefully, get me back in the swing of things.

Not much else to report on a Monday afternoon. I had a rather relaxing weekend. I think this is the first time I have started the week not feeling exhausted in a long time. Playing the imrpov on Friday and allowing myself the weekend certainly helped. But, I must admit, I'm hungry for another show. I'm making some pushes right now that will hopefully pay off. We'll see how it goes!

Until next time....

WE ARE...

2005-11-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Last night, in front of the second largest crowd in the history of Beaver Stadium, my Penn State Nittany Lions pulled within one game of winning the Big Ten Championship for the first time since my freshman year (1994 for those of you who care). The picture you are seeing represents the "White Out" that was declared by the student body to help amp up the atmosphere for the visiting #14 Wisconsin Badgers.

Now, I know that many of you are not football fans, nor do you probably care all that much about Penn State, but allow me to put this into perspective for you. The Nittany Lions, one of the most storied programs in college football, and coach Joe Paterno (JoePa to all of us), a 78 year old coach who is arguably the best coach to ever set foot on a college football field and has been pacing the sidelines at Penn State for 55 years, have endured losing seasons the last 4 out of 5 years. Many thought the game had passed him by, that he couldn't recruit top tier talent anymore, and many in the Nittany Nation were calling for the old man to step aside. But Paterno insisted that Penn State has been just a couple of plays away from greatness. And he went out, the lats two years, and pulled in top 10 recruiting classes and now, this year, he's proved that he was right. He's changed his ways a bit (playing ture freshman, which was UNHEARD of at Penn State), adapted to a new offensive scheme and Penn State is now 9-1 (1 second from being 10-0, due to a last second defeat in Michigan). And, if they defeat Michigan State in two weeks, they will most certainly be headed to a BCS bowl for the first time in 10 years.

But, while we have cerainly struggled over the last few years, I was never one of those who thought Paterno should hang it up. To me, it goes beyond wins and losses. Paterno has always prided himself on turning out not just great football players, but great men. He believes in education, as can be witnessed by the countless millions of dollars he has raised for Penn State, the graduation rate amoungst his players which is one of the highest in the country, and the fact that his name adourns what was once Pattee Library. He regularly quotes the likes of Shakespeare at his press conferences (let's see Bobby Bowden do that!). He wants his players to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and, most importantly, in life long after they walk through that tunnel for the last time.

There's no better example of the type of football player and person that Paterno is known for shaping than our current Quarterback, Captain and emotional leader, #12 Michael Robinson. For the last 3 years, Robinson has done everything that Paterno has asked him to do. He's played at virtually every offensive position on the field, waiting patiently for his chance at Quarterback, all because he wanted to do what was best for Coach Paterno and the team. He never complained, he didn't transfer, he stuck it out because of his bond with Paterno, his teammates and Penn State. He endured critism last year and even received hate mail from a few of our less intellegent fans, who probably never actually attended or finished school at PSU, that included racial slurs, saying that he should stick to being a receiver and leave the quarterbacking to the "white guys".

But Robinson waited for his shot and this year, he got it. And he has surpassed all expectations not just as a player, but as a person, proving once again that Joe knows football. He stood tall in the face of adversity and has led this team like no leader has in a very long time, and even managed to set a few records along the way. Michael Robinson has, for 4 years, stood for everything that is great about Penn State and he's done it all with a smile on his face. Two games to go, but Robinson has secured his legacy and I, for one, hope that he can continue to build on it right on through that impending bowl game. When he left the field at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night for the last time in his Penn State career, he had earned not only our applause, but our respect and admiration. And #12 will be in our memory for a very long time. So, he may never read this, but thank you Micheal Robinson for all that you have done for this team and this school. I wish you the best of luck in the NFL and beyond. You Are Penn State and we will surely miss you next year.

Is Time Moving Slowly or Quickly?

2005-11-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

As I walked outside this morning and headed in to work, it occurred to me that the current weather here in New York is throwing off my sense of time. It's November, right? I should be seeing the leaves change, I should be bundling up a bit, right? This week in New York, that is not the case. As I was watching the Penn State game last week and they panned over Happy Valley, one could easily see that Fall hasn't really arrived yet. Only one tree in the picture seemed to be sporting its fall colors proudly. Mom called the other day and said that she had been out mowing the grass and that all the leaves were still on the trees. I wonder why Fall is taking so long to get here? Does that mean we are in for a mild winter? Or are we going to get blasted cold and quick? And when did it become the holiday season?!

But Halloween has come and gone (Kimmie and I watched The Garfield Halloween Special in celebration as I was exhuasted from a successful weekend of NCT Spooktacular and she was exhuasted after rehearsal for the show she is Asst. Directing). And Monday night I had a hard time believing that November was already here. Calendar time is moving quickly, while Mother Nature's clock seems to be lagging a bit behind. Not that I am complaining. I don't mind the weather being in the high 60's, but I have to admit to being a fan of the cold as well. I love having to bundle up, wearing big heavy coats, the crispness in the air. It somehow feels cleaner than summer, when it's ridiculously humid and sweaty. And I sleep better when it's cold outside. Something about warm covers...

Met Ms. Katie Deal for coffee/tea yesterday in the fastest "catch-up" get together ever. We were supposed to meet at 6:00, she was late and I had to leave at 6:45. But, to all you Wayside folks, she's doing well and headed off to tour (perhaps her last) in January with Patsy. But it was good to see her. It had been awhile. Hopefully we are going to get together again soon and really catch up.

That's it for now. I will actually get home tonight around 8:00, a first this week and I am looking forward to it. Perhaps more later....but perhaps not too.

Cameron Crowe, "You complete me."

2005-10-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days. I was finishing up with work, Kimmie was going to be busy for the evening, my roomie Tommy was stuck at work and I? I had the evening to myself. I wasn't really all that sure what to do with it. I decided to browse the movie listings. A movie on a "school night"? Yes, I did dare. Now, I had read some relatively rough reviews for Cameron Crowe's new movie Elizabethtown and I am not a huge fan of either of its stars, but something was telling me that I should see it. How can the man who wrote and directed Say Anything and Almost Famous make a bad film? I will forgive him for Vanilla Sky, he ventured outside the box with that one and, well, I didn't go along for the ride. But, I thought, he seems to be headed back to his roots here, literally and figuratively.

Well, it came as no surprise that this movie was just what I needed. Crowe has a way of weaving sentimentality and melancholy together in a way that doesn't drive me crazy. Not to say that this movie didn't have it's faults, because it did. But, what was going on underneath it all at the heart of the film was where the beauty lies. Maybe it's that Crowe creates and captures such unique a beautifully real people, maybe it's that his huge successes have come from personal and autobiographical beginnings, or maybe it's that he knows music and can find the perfect song to capture a moment so that no words need to be spoken. If you don't believe me, just take a look at the "Tiny Dancer" sing-a-long scene in Almost Famous, or John Cusack holding a boom box over his head with "In Your Eyes" blasting from it's speakers (which, believe it or not, was a second choice because Crowe found it after shooting was completed). It's in his writing. While the performances may not always do I justice, I very much appreciate it.

It also could have been the story. A guy who is forced to leave the hustle and bustle of his life and return to his simple roots to bury his father. Seeing him pull into Elizabethtown, KY and seeing the characters that were created by Crowe certainly reminded me of my own roots. All to say, I would certainly say that it is not NEARLY as bad as the reviews would have you believe and, I think, worth seeing. And, for the love of GOD, check out the soundtrack. Like I said, Crowe (and his wife Nancy Wilson of the 80's group Heart) certainly know music. This is the guy that was writing articles for Rolling Stone at age 16.

In other news, the CBS Morning Show thing was a bit of a bust, but I sorta figured it would be. We got a brief mention, which I suppose is good. And tonight I have two shows at the Improv....yes, it's the dreaded National Comedy Theatre Halloween Spooktacular. Should be a fascinating experience. More tomorrow...

Hot Water...Luxury or Right?

2005-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

First off, let me just state for the record that my good friend Malia is kicking my ass at this blogging thing. I seem to be averaging 1-2 a week and she had TWO posts working yesterday ALONE! On top of that, she's started a second blog, which I have yet to visit as I have no real interest in knitting, but I am sure for those who do "the knit", it would be both entertaining and highly informative. (I love you, Malia).

On to the subject of hot water. For those of you who don't know, last winter was a trying time in the Arbogast-Dilts-Schoffler household because, on a day to day basis, we were never sure that we were going to have hot water. For one reason or another, our hot water seemed to work in direct correlation with the heat so, very often and especially in the mornings, there was none. After 4 months and several calls to the landlord, the problem was fixed, although we had to go to the New York Board of Health. The sad thing is, our apartment is beautiful otherwise. I won't go into the details of the "duck and dodge" showering that occurred in those 4 months, but I am sure you can use your imagination.

Well, Tuesday night, when I arrived home from rehearsal at the improv show, I see a sign that says, "Boila Is No Working".....that's right, it said, "Boila Is No Working". So, we were without heat and hot water Tuesday night into last evening. A challenge, yes, but we were assured that it was a one time thing, just dealing with the cold weather that has suddenly arrived. Last night, thankfully, the hot water was back and, as I took a long, wonderful hot shower, I was reminded of the simple pleasures in life, like a hot shower on a cold day and...well, heat.

What happened to Autumn? Winter is fast approaching here in New York. They actually moved the pine trees into the courtyard where I work which, I assume, will be decorated not look into November. I can't believe we have already hit winter again. I actually really love the snow and cold weather. Really cold and rainy I don't like so much, but cold and snowy....the kind of weather you have to bundle up for...I love it.

I suppose that's it for now. For those who catch it, there's a chance I (along with my National Comedy Theatre castmates) will be making a brief appearance on the CBS Morning Show tomorrow between 7:30 - 8:30AM to promote our Halloween Spooktacular. heh heh heh. But, for now, I am leaving work early and, I think, taking myself to the movies. Yup, the movies.

Back to life....Back to reality

2005-10-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been back in NYC for just two days and man, I can feel it. Miami was fantastic. Beautiful weather, bike rides everywhere, sun, sand, my lady...what more does a guy need? Not much, I tell you. It was a lovely getaway and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle that is this place. I don't know that I could ever live there, actually...I know that I could never live there, but it was a great place to visit for a few days. Saturday was our only day of rain, which worked out well because Kimmie's folks came down and we watched Penn State NEARLY pull of a great comeback victory and Notre Dame NEARLY end USC's ridiculous win streak.

If you haven't seen Good Night and Good Luck yet, you must. One of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. You know, years ago I was not that much of a fan of George Clooney, but he grew on me quickly...I think it was Ocean's 11. The guy just seems like the kinda guy you'd want to hang out with, have a drink with, play pool or cards with. He harkens back to a time of cool...the Rat Pack. There was a reason why his Ocean's 11 was successful, and it's because he moves to the beat of the same drummer as those guys. He's a guy every woman wants to sleep with and every guy wants to be friends with.

Wait...I got off topic...Good Night and Good Luck...right...what a great film, not just for it's story, but for it's timeliness. It's almost an indictment of our current media giants to look in the mirror and re-evaluate what it is that they are doing. With the rise of media conglomerates, more and more our media is being spun in different directions and sending out specific messages based on pressure from sponsers and "sister" corporations. Our news media certainly doesn't speak for the general public anymore.

Here we see the story of Edward R. Murrow and his partners who dared to challenge Sen. McCarthy at the risk of being labelled a Communist, at a time when walking backwards could get you labelled a Communist, and blacklisted from ever working in the media again and perhaps even sent to prison. His life was on the line, but his true mission was to report the news and do his best to speak for America. He believed he had a moral obligation to do so. The power of television. Sooo.....see it.

That's it for now. It's getting colder here in New York. There was certainly a Fall chill in the air today as I walked out the door to work. This week marks my one year anniversary in New York City. WOO HOO! They say the first year is the hardest...I guess we'll see.

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

2005-10-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I KNOW! Almost a week with no entry. But things have been very busy here in preparation for this weekend. Yes, today at 4:00PM, I leave work and head to the airport with my lady for 5 days and 4 nights in beautiful Miami. Well.....I assume it's beautiful, I've never actually been to Miami before....but I have seen many, many pictures. And I saw The Birdcage, so that counts, right? Anyhow, it's going to be an excellent break from the constant rain that we have had here in New York over the last week, and a much needed break from the city. Not to mention the fact that the vacation was almost completely paid for by Kimmie's boss! WHA? He bought our plane tickets and is giving us the use of his condo. Amazingly generous, I know.

It's been an interesting few days. Kimmie got back on Sunday night and we've been counting the minutes until our departure tonight ever since. The rain has not stopped since Monday, which makes the city a bit of a terror to get through, as you walk most anywhere you go. Everyone is a little more grouchy and a bit more pushy when it's like this and the fact that it's been 3 days, with no end is sight has seemingly magnified everyone's annoyance.

I auditioned for a man the other day who had a amazing and fascinating relationship with Judy Garland at the end of her life and has written a play about it. A true New York moment, meeting this guy who could play anything on the piano by ear. We sang a little, read a little. I won't go into details, other than to say that he wrote a book about it called Heartbreaker, which he has now turned into a musical and which I may have to hunt down just because it sounded so incredible. I'll find out more next week, but it seems like it would be an amazing experience.

Not really much else to report at this point. My mind has already moved on to sunnier weather. OH, except to say that my Penn State Nittany Lions have moved to 6-0 for the first time since 1999 and travel to Ann Arbor this weekend to face Michigan....a team they have lost to the last 6 times they have played. Time to get that monkey off our back, I think. I know that most of the folks reading this don't really care about Penn State football persay, but I do. So that's that. :o)

Until next time....I leave you with this thought from Charles Shultz (creator of The Peanuts)

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia.

Sweet Afton

2005-10-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

Been a crazy couple of days, but last night all was well as I went to see my favorite band, Nickel Creek. For those of you who don't know, I would say they are a young Contemporary Bluegrass band...with an edge. It was a fantastic show. The last time I saw them, they were co-headlining a tour with Howie Day. I think it made their job a bit harder as most of that audience was clearly there for Howie. This time, however, fresh off the release of their new album, they are headlining their own tour and clearly loving it. The audience was a bit rowdy at times, which actually seemed to annoy them a bit, and rightfully so. Perhaps they were new fans who didn't really get their vibe. Not that they don't love people enjpying themselves...but there were some drunk fools who were disrupting the show. This isn't the Stones, man. Chill...right?

Anyhow, an amazing show of musicianship. My roommmate Tommy and I were 4 feet from the stage and watching them work and play (one plays fiddle, one plays guitar and one plays mandolin), was a beautiful sight to behold. Intricate work and it was hard to tell when they were playing pre-planned music or they were just riffing. Chris Thile is one of the best mandolin players in the business. All to say, if you haven't heard their stuff, check it out. Well worth the listen. Check out the Nickel Creek website for a little taste as well.

Gotta give a little link love to a couple of folks from the Wayside. First off, my favorite stage manager of all time and close friend & partner in crime, Malia Arguello. I met her at Wayside last summer and, although I gave her a bit of trouble from time to time, we connected instantly and have and will remain close friends. You can find her at malasia's musings. And Warner Crocker, artistic director at Wayside who has been blogging for awhile now over at Life Upon the Wicked Stage, Part 2 He's a great guy with a big heart, fantastic director, and a true inspriration for continuing to do great work at a gem of a theatre in the Shenandoah Valley. Give him a read...he covers something for everybody over there.

My lady comes back from Providence for good tomorrow. Can't wait for that. But before that, my Nittany Lions face off against #6 Ohio State tonight on national television. We may not win, but hype and pride like this has not been seen in Happy Valley since the late 90s. This tent city, dubbed Paternoville, popped up Sunday afternoon and has been building ever since as students had been camping out for front row seats to today's HUGE game. Ahhh...to be in college again.

Phoning it in....times 2

2005-10-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

What an interesting day it was yesterday. First off, in writing a blog that is being spread to the masses, one must be careful about who/what they speak about. I read an article about a woman who was writing a blog about her life at work and, after writing some unflattering things about her boss, was fired when it got back around to him. While a blog provides an amazing personal outlet, it also opens you up to public opinion. It's with that in mind that I relay the following story about my evening.

I attended a reading last night of a new play by a very well known playwright. Now, this reading had a few *STAR* names involved so attendance was, as you can imagine, rather good. But here's the thing. The play itself, very good. Funny, witty...I love the playwright anyway. The performances?? Not so much. As I was watching this reading, hearing fantastic lines being thrown away, seeing a lot of head acting and not a lot of connection going on, I began to think, "Why?" These actors aren't untalented, as a matter of fact, I had seen them do fantastic work in other things, but why these phoned in performances? Was it that it was a "reading" and therefore not a performance? A lack of rehearsal time? I couldn't put my finger on it, but it drove me nuts to think that there were folks there who had paid $60 a ticket to see half hearted performances.

One actor, popular primarily for his stage work, stuck out like a sore thumb, but in a great way. Why? He was making CHOICES! Not only that, he was making choices based on what he was being GIVEN?! It was just an amazing experience to behold. Our sole job is to make choices and to be open enough to respond to the choices that are coming at us. Even if it was a lack of rehearsal time...talking and listening, my friend. Michael Caine once said that good actors can make the phonebook interesting if they are talking and listening. I don't know about that, but I do know that a "cold reading" doesn't have to mean bad. A frustrating experience when you are an actor in New York in search of that next job. But, enough about that.

Part two of this post has to do with my lady. Yesterday, her Mom and I broke the news to her that her cat (who has been living in Florida with her folks for the last year) has been missing for the last 3 weeks. We didn't want to tell her while she was away, co-directing a show in Providence so, last night was the night. She took it better than I expected. Tough one, though. Pooh Bear was 15 years old. Of course, there is always the hope that he will return or show up, but it doesn't look good. Seemingly though, the last time she was home, she had felt it would be the last time she saw him. Who knows, he may be back, but for now, she's dealing pretty well.

That's it for now. Heading back in to ABC today to work as a reader...always fascinating. Perhaps more this evening.

Wait a second....I'm what??

2005-10-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

On the phone last night with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in ahwile who is celebrating her birthday this week. We talked about how long it had been since we had seen each other and I commented on how quickly time seems to move here in New York. Days turn to weeks quicker than any other time in my life. Maybe it's constantly having someplace to be, maybe it's the inherent pace of the city, maybe it's just life...but she joked that, before we knew it, we'd be 40. I sorta laughed, but I said...

"Well, I don't know about that...but, I will be 30 next year."

"When's your birthday," she asked.

"April 12th," I replied.

Her response? "Yeah...you are old."

Now, I don't think of myself as being old, but it did get me thinking. I suppose that each time a person approaches the next decade of their existence, they re-evaluate a bit, look back on where they've been, what they've accomplished and, of course, where they are headed.

Maybe it was that conversation, or maybe it was thinking about my Pop Pop, but I've been very introspective today, thinking about all of those things. I have accomplished quite a bit thus far, in my personal and professional life. I've lived and worked in different areas of the country, completed two degrees and now find myself living in what many consider to be the greatest city on Earth.

But I am thinking about doing something really big to kick-off my 30's, something adventurous. My Pop Pop travelled the world in the service (flew in and was shot down WWII), Mom and Dad lived in Germany for a year...what huge story do I have at this point? I mean, I have stories...but nothing HUGE yet.

Last spring I read a book by Bill Bryson called A Walk in the Woods, which chronicled his time walking the Appalachian Trail and it stirred up something inside of me. What would that be like? Over 2000 miles, on foot...now THERE'S a story. So, I'm going to begin doing the research, making a basic plan and, if the opportunity is there to take some time away from this place and this career, I'm going to make a go of it. Who knows? His story made a great book...perhaps mine could make a great one man show. Only time will tell and, as I am continuously learning, it moves much faster than you think.

Happiness returns to "Happy Valley"

2005-10-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Okay....so, I'm not really a fanatic about any sports. I don't really care that the Yankees beat the Sox yesterday, when March Madness arrives I get mildly excited...but there is one sports team that I am wholeheartedly crazy for and that is Joe Paterno and my Penn State Nittany Lions. I read the boards, I watch the stats, I scream at the T.V....I can honestly say that I become a slightly different person on most Saturdays from September to November.

Yesterday afternoon, as the sun set in Happy Valley, Penn State fans had a new reason to smile. For the first time this century (which feels odd to say), the Nittany Lions are 5-0 after cleaning house against the then 18th ranked Minnesota Gophers. To see 78 year old Joe Paterno leave the field with a smile on his face was a sight to behold. Talk about a man who has given his life and soul to a football team (and a University). The man believes in turning out great people, not just great football players. He has one of the highest graduation rates in the country and has raised more money for the University than I could even fathom.

But, it's wins and losses that most fans care about and, after losing seasons the last 4 out of 5 years, many PSU faithful were calling for Paterno's retirement. Which makes our return to the national picture (on the backs of some AMAZING freshman recruits, another sign that the old dog has a few tricks left up his sleeve) a bit sweeter for those of us who have kept the faith. There's a swagger on this team that hasn't been there in quite awhile. And the hope that Paterno can have one more great season to cap off an amazing career seems to be slowly becoming a reality.

Why college football, you may ask? Well, there is something about pride. College football is not about money, it's not about huge contracts or salary caps, players aren't traded, etc. It's about a team. Young players gaining experience, trying to get to the next level. It's about tradition, not the individual. And right now, Penn State is beginning to polish off that tradition for the rest of the nation to take notice.

Next week, Ohio State comes to town and we'll see where we really stand. But for now, the sun has set over Mt. Nittany and the Pride of the Lions is back.

WE ARE......PENN STATE!

One Year Ago....

2005-09-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so first off, I should say that I am clearly not off to a good start here on the whole "blogging" thing...but, inspired by my friend good Malia, who seems to be able to find a few moments each day to jot down a little something, I am going to do my best to get back on track here. And, speaking of Malia, she also provides a bit of a segue into my entry for today.

I was talking to my Mom as I was walking to rehearsal for the improv team on Tuesday and she asked me a question.

"Do you know what today is?"

"Oh my God," I thought. "Did I forget a birthday? Anniversary?"

"It's been a year," she said. And then it hit me. It was a year ago, Tuesday (September 27th) that I made the trip from Wayside, where I was immersed in the run of Lee & Brown: Lighting the Fuse, to Lewisburg, WV. It was the day that we took Pop Pop off of the vent that had kept him going for just over 2 weeks.

Memories and images came flooding back in a way that I wasn't quite prepared for...the day we decided to put him on the vent (which he was not happy about), when I sat with him and he laughed with me, told me he had a song that was going to make us famous, told me that he was certain I was going to "make it". He was down, but promised me he would keep his spirits up.

The next week, seeing him unable to talk, but very much still responding. I sat with him, talked to him and he smiled and nodded. He was not happy, but still fighting. His arms were in restraints now as he had tried to pull the tube out on several occasions, angry that he was stuck there. They decided to sedate him so that he could rest and, as I stood in the doorway, as week as he was, he raised his arm to wave at me. "I love you," I said. He nodded in reply. That was the last I saw him truly awake.

I came back to see him a few days later. He responded to my voice, trying to open his eyes through the haze of the medication, but that's an impossible fight to win. He gripped my hand, letting me know he knew I was there as I sat and talked. A week later, the decision was made. It was time to let him go. I couldn't bear to be in the room...I went outside with Dad, who was a wreck. But, Mom said it was quick. Two big breaths and it was over.

Some speak of fate, others "Divine Providence", but someone put me in Middletown last summer for a reason. He was able to see me onstage for the first time, I was able to be there when he got sick, be there when we took him off the vent and be there when we put him in the ground.

Pop Pop was the kind of man I will always strive to be, a role model in every sense of the word. He was a gentleman, a hillbilly, a man of faith and conviction, an artist, a scholar...a simple man with a world of complexity. Soemtimes I still think about calling him. His number is still in my phone and I don't know that I will ever take it out. I have to believe that he is still with me in some way and that, if he has anything to say about it, I will find success in this crazy business.

I love you, Pop Pop.

Pershing "Percy" Arbogast
Dec. 20th, 1917 - Sept. 27, 2004

Who are you (meaning me) and what are you (meaning me) doing here?

2005-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

It has taken me nearly a week to begin this blog, after setting it up last Saturday. I thought it only appropriate that I begin with an entry that explains who I am and my purpose here. I am fairly new to the "blogging" world...never really explored it, nor found one that I considered a "must read" during my daily travels through cyberspace to check email and such. But, recently, a classmate of mine from the University of Texas started one and, after seeing some of his posts, I became inspired.

Many of his posts were observations of things he witnessed in and around the city, some were frustrations, some celebrations, some were just ramblings in an effort to clear his mind and evoke a response from others. As I read his blog, I realized how many things I observe here in this city on a daily basis. I thought to myself, "How many folks have the opportunity to get on the subway and see an overweight white woman in leg warmers and black stretch pants pop & lock her way from 14th St. to 42nd St.?" The answer? Very few. I also thought that it would be a great way to chronicle my time here in New York which, I can only imagine, I will want to look back on when that time has come to an end.

A bit about me. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. My folks were both born in the mountains of West Virginia, where they met in high school and where most of my extended family still live to this day. To this day, I have spent nearly every major holiday there and, in a lot of ways, have more ties to that place than I do my hometown. At any rate, after graduating high school, I attended Penn State University (94-98). My first year there was a glorious run in college football, (12-0, Rose Bowl win) and I have been a rather avid PSU fan ever since. And it was also there that I realized that acting and the theatre would be my life's work.

After graduation, I spent 3 years living and working as an actor (and a Barnes & Noble bookseller) in Pittsburgh, PA. Nothing can quite prepare you for that time right out of school when you dip your feet in the real world (not MTV style, but the REAL real world) for the first time. Pittsburgh offered me a smaller market to test the waters and be sure that I wanted to pursue theatre full force. I was moderately successful, but knew that, if I really wanted to do it, I would need more training. In 2001, I attended the U/RTA conference in New York, where I met Fran Dorn, head of the M.F.A. Acting program at UT. I was taken almost immediately with her presence, energy and passion about a newly designed program and, come September, I was living in Austin.

For the next three years (2001-2004), I bled, sweat, laughed and cried with some of the most talented actors I have ever met from all over the country. We worked hard, challenged each other in ways I couldn't have imagined and, while there were times when we didn't get along, deep down we all care for each other. It all culminated in April of 2004 with two very successful showcases in New York and L.A. After graduating I spent 14 weeks at Wayside Theatre in Virginia before making the great leap to New York last fall. Now, here I am living in Brooklyn with my lady and one of my closest friends...pounding the pavement with 1,000,000 other actors looking for that break, that door to stick our foot in, or even just the next chance to perform.

I don't know who will find this blog, if anyone, but I am not necessarily doing it for attention or to be noticed, etc. It's a way for me to collect my thoughts and observations that, perhaps, others will stumble upon and find amusing. Or, it will simply serve as a log of my experiences, thoughts, ramblings as I struggle, fail, and triumph here in the "Big Apple." And, thus, we begin....